Hyde Park Homes

Thankfully we did most of the outdoor things the day before, because the day’s scattered showers didn’t disrupt our mostly indoor plans. After church, we drove to Hyde Park to visit the homes of Franklin D. Roosevelt & Eleanor Roosevelt. I knew a bit about both of them, but it was so interesting to see how FDR was raised, how they modified the imposing home to accommodate his wheelchair, etc. 

 

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt

The dining room—hard to picture a casual meal here!

The library had a ramp to enter (note the wheelchair)

Their new-fangled television set

FDR's bedroom—the telephone was a direct line with the White House

The fancy stairs (they later built a small elevator for him to use)

Wreaths recently left at their gravesites on the property

And across the way at the cottage, to see how intentional Eleanor was in the causes she supported (e.g. American craftsman) and how she entertained visitors as a counter to the formality of the Roosevelt estate. Plus, we got to see it with my colleague Patti, who lives in the area.

Val-Kill Cottage

Sign explaining a bit more about her dreams for this farm and supporting American craftsmen.

The dining room as it would look around Thanksgiving—my great-aunt had dishes just like hers! Meals were informal and served here even when entertaining dignitaries.

So lovely to see Patti!

Grateful for a good travel buddy!

Just up the river is the Vanderbilt Mansion, and it was fun to catch a glimpse into Gilded Age entertainment as we toured the house and explored the gardens. It was easy to imagine taking a train or steamship up the river and going the last mile in a carriage or chauffeured car, and the army it took to support that lifestyle.

Vanderbilt Mansion

Entrance Hall

Dining Room

Frederick Vanderbilt's Office

Living Room

Mrs. Vanderbilt's bedroom

Kitchen at the Vanderbilt Mansion

Teahouse at the Vanderbilt Mansion

"The Pool Gardens" at the Vanderbilt Mansion

View of the Hudson from the Vanderbilt Mansion

We capped off the day on the east side of the Hudson by having dinner at the Tavern at Beekman Arms, a place my friend suggested. I hadn’t heard of it, but there’s been a tavern here since the 1700s and the quarrel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr is said to have started here. Regardless, the interior was quaint and the food was delicious.

Beekman Arms